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Association Between Physical Activity and Risk of Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Matthew Pearce1, Leandro Garcia1,2, Ali Abbas1
1MRC Epidemiology Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, England.
JAMA Psychiatry
|April 13, 2022
Summary
Physical activity significantly reduces depression risk, with benefits observed even below recommended levels. Encouraging any increase in exercise can improve mental health for adults.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Mental Health Research
Background:
- Depression is a leading cause of global disease burden.
- Physical activity is a potential intervention for depression, but the dose-response relationship remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and meta-analyze the dose-response association between physical activity and incident depression in adults.
- To quantify the risk reduction of depression associated with varying levels of physical activity.
Main Methods:
- A systematic search of multiple databases (PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of Science, PsycINFO) was conducted up to December 2020.
- Included prospective cohort studies with at least 3000 adults, 3+ exposure levels, and 3+ years of follow-up.
- A 2-stage random-effects dose-response meta-analysis synthesized data from 15 studies (191,130 participants).
Main Results:
- An inverse, curvilinear dose-response association was found between physical activity and depression.
- Half the recommended physical activity (4.4 MET-hours/week) was associated with an 18% lower depression risk.
- The recommended volume (8.8 MET-hours/week) showed a 25% risk reduction, with diminishing benefits at higher volumes.
Conclusions:
- Physical activity offers significant mental health benefits, even at sub-recommended levels.
- Encouraging increased physical activity is recommended for depression prevention.
- Achieving current physical activity recommendations could prevent 11.5% of depression cases.
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